Articles Posted in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians share the road with many other users, but people on foot are among one of the highest-risk groups when it comes to accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there are around 10,300 pedestrian accidents statewide every year. Almost 800 walkers are killed, and another 8,000 are injured in these incidents, so about 85% of all pedestrian accidents lead to casualties. 

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Miami, obtaining an accident report is crucial. Florida law requires reporting many types of accidents, but doing so also ensures that your rights are protected. Your Miami pedestrian accident lawyer will describe how an accident report can play a vital role in your personal injury claim, but some background is also useful.

When Should You Get a Report?

You are already considered a vulnerable road user when navigating Florida streets on foot, but you are at an even higher risk of serious pedestrian accidents at night. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that the rate of nighttime traffic collisions is three times higher than during the day, and around 75% of all pedestrian accident fatalities occur at night. Many other victims are injured while walking at night, often because of negligent drivers. 

As you can guess, visibility is a top factor when it comes to crashes at night involving people on foot. You do have rights as a victim if you were hurt or lost a loved one in such an incident, so you could qualify to recover monetary damage for your losses. A Miami pedestrian accidents attorney will guide you through the legal steps, and some details about visibility at night are useful.

How Visibility Affects People on Foot

It is not surprising to learn that Florida ranks high when it comes to the number of pedestrian accidents, as the state’s population makes it the third largest in the US. However, it is disturbing to realize the risk when you look at the rates of crashes involving people on foot. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida is #4 for pedestrian fatality rates, with 696 deaths across a population of 21.73 million people. In South Florida alone, there are 3,100 pedestrian accidents that cause more than 200 fatalities and almost 2,400 injured victims.

Your life could be turned around if you were hurt while walking, so it is wise to pursue all available remedies under Florida law. Though you may be entitled to compensation, there are several factors that impact your claim. You should trust a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer to assist with the legal process, from filing an insurance claim to litigation. Some information on the common causes behind these incidents also helps you understand the risk.

How Pedestrian Accidents Happen 

You do not need a background in science to realize that the person on foot is more likely to sustain catastrophic injuries in a Miami pedestrian accident than the driver of a car. Walkers do not stand a chance against the large, speeding vehicles with whom they share the road. It is also not that far a stretch to assume that many victims will suffer injuries to the lower extremities because of where the bumper of a vehicle comes into contact with the body. Statistics indicate that one-third all pedestrian accident injuries involve the feet, legs, and hips. 

Knowing that there are more than 8,100 pedestrian accidents statewide every year – and almost 2,600 of them occur in South Florida – the dangers of lower body injuries come to the forefront. Trauma to the body below the waist is serious, and not only because of the physical pain. You could be unable to work and enjoy your favorite activities. It is a comfort to know that you have legal remedies, and a Miami pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process. An overview is also useful.

Common Lower Body Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents